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Trendspotting: On Draft: Nitro-Infused Beverages

Your source for the most up-to-date information on emerging beverage trends.

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Nitrogen elevates the flavor profile of a beverage, emulates sweetness, and has a creamy finish without adding calories. Consumers have been intrigued by the velvety, luxurious texture that nitrogen infusions provide. Here are top trends in nitro-infused beverages -- and what you can expect to taste in the future.

Craft Beers | Coffee | Tea | The Future of Nitro

Craft Beers

Guiness introduced nitrogen-infused beers to the world, but many craft brewers are using nitrogen to enhance taste and mouthfeel of stouts and ales.

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According to Ball Corporation — who developed Ball’s Widget Inside™ can for RTD nitrogen-infused beverages — more than 95% of beer drinkers, enjoy nitrogen-infused beers.

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Coffee

Cold brew coffee sales grew 80% YOY in early 2017, according to Sales Logic.

Within that category is nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee, which Four Square reported grew 172% YOY in the first half of 2017.

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Many brands offer a nitro-infused cold brew coffee option, including Rise Brewing Co., Stumptown, and Calfiia Farms.

It’s also offered on tap at many third wave coffee shops, Starbucks and select Dunkin Donuts stores — which speaks to the product’s popularity.

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La Colombe introduced the first ever Draft Latte that are available on tap at their cafes, and in an RTD.

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Starbucks Reserve in Seattle introduced a nitrogen-infused milk that is mixed with their nitro cold brew.

Expect more brands to experiment with nitrogen-infused milks, and to see nitrogen-infused chocolate milks and other indulgent flavors in the future.

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Tea
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Nitrogen-infusions are one of the latest trends in tea.

B Sweet and Caveman Coffee are a couple of the brands that offer RTD teas in a nitro-infused can.

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Nitrogen-infused teas are also showing up on menus.

Alfred Tea Room in Los Angeles is experimenting with a variety of nitro teas, including most recently, Chaga Chip (almond milk, cashew milk, cinnamon, cacao, chaga mushroom)

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The Future of Nitro
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Imbibe is developing products that introduce the next generation of nitro-infused beverages to brands. Expect to see nitrogen-infused products in categories like juice, protein beverages, pre-mixed cocktails and more.

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